Cleveland Indians: Grading Each Tribe Rookie's Performance in 2011

Considering that 2011 was intended to be a rebuilding year for the Cleveland Indians, it's not surprising that 12 different rookies (13 if you include Alex White, which I'm not) suited up for the Tribe this year. While some missed terribly, others hit in a very big way.

In building a contending team for 2012, the Indians will need at least some of these 12 rookies to take big steps and have super sophomore campaigns. With that in mind, let's hand out some grades for each of the 11 rookies the Tribe had this year. 

Lonnie Chisenhall

2011 Stats: .251/.281/.415 slash line, .697 OPS (91 OPS+), 7 HR, 21 RBI, 1 SB, 0.7 fWAR in 218 PA

Considering how highly Lonnie Chisenhall was ranked on most top prospects lists, it's disappointing that he didn't tear it up when he was called up this year. In truth, though, there are many good things to take away from Chisenhall's rookie season. He's showing some good power and has been a decent defensive third baseman. He needs to stop striking out so much and walk more (which will help his on-base percentage), but it could've been a worse debut for Lonnie.

Grade: B-

Ezequiel Carrera

2011 Stats: .242/.303/.304 slash line, .607 OPS (70 OPS+), 0 HR, 13 RBI, 10 SB, 0.4 fWAR in 218 PA

Ezequiel Carrera had a decent start to his career, but his lack of power means he needs to get on base at a high rate. His .242 batting average and .303 on-base percentage won't cut it going forward. Carrera is a decent defensive center fielder, but right now, the whole package isn't there yet. If he can continue to improve his all-around game, he could become a starting outfielder. For now, he's a fourth outfielder at best.

Grade: C

Nick Hagadone

2011 Stats: 8.68 SO/9, 4.82 BB/9, 1.80 SO:BB, 4.82 ERA (86 ERA+), 3.03 FIP, 4.77 xFIP, 0.964 WHIP 0.1 fWAR in 9.1 IP

Nick Hagadone may not have been on the big league club very long, but he has pitched fairly well in his limited opportunity. It'd be nice to see him limit his walks a little bit, but he is a power pitcher and should probably be on the big league club next year.

Grade: B-

Jerad Head

2011 Stats: .125/.160/.167 slash line, .327 OPS (-9 OPS+), 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 SB, -0.3 fWAR in 25 PA

Jerad Head has always hit decently in the minors, so no one expects him to be this bad forever. However, I think he projects mostly as a 4A player, not a viable major league starter. Hopefully he'll work very hard in the offseason to make himself a usable piece for the Indians in 2012 and beyond.

Grade: D

Frank Herrmann

2011 Stats: 5.43 SO/9, 2.56 BB/9, 2.13 SO:BB, 5.11 ERA (79 ERA+), 4.29 FIP, 4.63 xFIP, 1.544 WHIP, 0.0 fWAR, 56.1 IP

I love Frank Herrmann, the only Indians Ivy League product. That doesn't mean he pitched very well this year. He's not a bad pitcher at all, but at best he's the sixth or seventh guy in the bullpen. He's a very replaceable pitcher and probably isn't guaranteed a roster spot out of spring training next year.

Grade: C-

Josh Judy

2011 Stats: 6.43 SO/9, 2.57 BB/9, 2.50 SO:BB, 7.07 ERA (58 ERA+), 7.03 FIP, 5.73 xFIP, 1.571 WHIP, -0.3 fWAR in 14 IP

It's hard to judge any player off of 14 innings, but Josh Judy hasn't even come close to making those 14 innings count. He has struggled in his limited time and hasn't helped his case for making the big league club next year. He struck out closer to 10 batters per nine innings in the minors, so there's still hope for Judy. Too bad he didn't show it in a Cleveland uniform this year.

Grade: D- 

Jason Kipnis

2011 Stats: .278/.343/.532 slash line, .875 OPS (139 OPS+), 7 HR, 19 RBI, 4 SB, 0.8 fWAR in 140 PA

My current favorite Indian and certified man-crush Jason Kipnis lived up to every one of my expectations this year. While he needs to limit his strikeouts and walk a little more, his current stats are more than serviceable and potentially could get better with age. Simply put, we are all Kipnises. Let's kick back and enjoy the ride Kipnis will take us on for the next few years. It could be something special. 

Grade: A

Corey Kluber

2011 Stats: 10.38 SO/9, 6.23 BB/9, 1.67 SO:BB, 8.31 ERA (52 ERA+), 4.18 FIP, 5.34 xFIP, 2.077 WHIP, 0.0 fWAR in 4.1 IP

While Kluber has shown his strikeout ability in limited time, he's also shown a lack of control and given up a ton of runs. Kluber could have a real future in the organization. For now, however, he's best suited going back to AAA. He's not ready yet.

Grade: D

Zach McAllister

2011 Stats: 7.11 SO/9, 4.26 BB/9, 1.67 SO:BB, 8.53 ERA (48 ERA+), 3.89 FIP, 4.25 xFIP, 2.053 WHIP, 0.2 fWAR in 12.2 IP

McAllister has given up a lot of runs in his three major league starts, but those have mostly come at the hands of an inflated 14.2 H/9. I think he's much closer to a 4.00 ERA pitcher and should have a shot to make the big league club next year. I think he'll fall short and start 2012 in AAA, but he does have a chance to be in Cleveland instead.

Grade: C+

Vinnie Pestano

2011 Stats: 12.10 SO/9, 3.54 BB/9, 3.42 SO:BB, 2.21 ERA (182 ERA+), 2.52 FIP, 2.84 xFIP, 1.049 WHIP, 1.6 fWAR in 61.0 IP

While I worry about the volatility of relievers from year to year, there's no denying what Vinnie Pestano has been able to accomplish this year. He has been absolutely dominant and absolutely should get the first shot at closing next year should Chris Perez stumble—not a bad debut season for a rookie.

Grade: A+

Cord Phelps

2011 Stats: .143/.231/.229 slash line, .459 OPS (29 OPS+), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, -1.0 fWAR in 79 PA

Considering how Cord Phelps destroyed everything in his path in AAA this year, I'm optimistic that he'll put things together over the next few years. That said, his time in Cleveland this year was downright terrible. Because of it, I think he'll start the year at AAA next year with Jason Donald serving as the Tribe's utility infielder. After coming into the year almost as heralded as Jason Kipnis, 2011 was a forgettable year for Phelps.

Grade: F

Zach Putnam

2011 Stats: 11.12 SO/9, 0.00 BB/9, 6.35 ERA (67 ERA+), 3.91 FIP, 2.50 xFIP, 1.412 WHIP, 0.0 fWAR in 5.2 IP

While it's only 5.2 IP, Putnam has displayed his high strikeout ability and hasn't walked a batter. He has some real talent and could be on the Opening Day roster next year. While he's given up some runs, it's far too small of a sample size. I'd expect an ERA closer to 3.50, the number he hung around in the minors. That ERA wouldn't be bad at all.

Grade: C+